Close X
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
ADVT 
National

Justin Trudeau Slams Politics Of Fear As Ignorant, Irresponsible

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Dec, 2015 11:21 AM
    OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is condemning fear-mongering by politicians, calling it ignorant and irresponsible.
     
    In a televised town hall meeting sponsored by Maclean's magazine, the prime minister was asked about his reaction to outspoken American presidential candidate Donald Trump.
     
    He first shied away from commenting on another country's election, saying Canada must have a relationship with whoever wins next year's presidential vote.
     
    However, he said, he is happy to share his feelings on the politics of division.
     
    Diversity, he says, makes people stronger, not weaker.
     
    Fear, he adds, doesn't make anyone safer.
     
    "I don't think it comes as a surprise to anybody that I stand firmly against the politics of division, the politics of fear, the politics of intolerance or hateful rhetoric," he said.
     
    Trump, the boisterous businessman who is leading in the polls among candidates for the Republican nomination, has attacked immigration and suggested that Muslims be barred from entering the United States.
     
    Without mentioning Trump's name, Trudeau decried his politics.
     
    "If we allow politicians to succeed by scaring people, we don't actually end up any safer," he said. "Fear doesn't make us safer, it makes us weaker. At this time, when there is reason to be concerned for security around the world and here at home, we need to remain focused on keeping our communities safe and keeping our communities united instead of trying to build walls and scapegoat communities."
     
    Muslims, he said are the greatest victims of terrorist acts around the world.
     
     
    "Painting ISIS and others with a broad brush that extends to all Muslims is not just ignorant, it is irresponsible."
     
    Trudeau also spoke about ways of dealing with the international community that look back to the "soft power" of earlier Liberal regimes and not the harsh rhetoric of the last Conservative government.
     
    The Harper government "spent a lot of time talking about strength and tough and taking swings at all of its opponents," the prime minister said.
     
    "I took a very different approach that was much more inclusive, much friendlier, much more focused on listening and engaging and solving problems rather than creating conflicts and Canadians responded very positively to that," Trudeau said.
     
    "Now, why would citizens in the international community be any different?"
     
    He said you don't always need to be tough.
     
    "So, I don't see being smart and reasonable in how we engage with others as a sign of weakness."
     
    During the hour-long program at the National Arts Centre, the prime minister fielded questions from journalists, the audience and people on social media.
     
    He was quizzed on everything from tax policy to refugees, to his shoes and the latest "Star Wars" movie — which he said was very good.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Police Seek Irish Tourists Who May Have Key Details About B.C. Crash That Killed Two Cyclists

    Police Seek Irish Tourists Who May Have Key Details About B.C. Crash That Killed Two Cyclists
    Two cyclists died when an oncoming vehicle veered across the centreline and smashed into them on a rural section of highway, 25 kilometres north of Pemberton.

    Police Seek Irish Tourists Who May Have Key Details About B.C. Crash That Killed Two Cyclists

    Total Value Of Building Permits Issued In May Drops 14.5%: Statistics Canada

    Total Value Of Building Permits Issued In May Drops 14.5%: Statistics Canada
    The value of multi-family home permits fell 22.9 per cent to $1.6 billion in May due to a drop in every province and territory, except British Columbia, New Brunswick and Nunavut

    Total Value Of Building Permits Issued In May Drops 14.5%: Statistics Canada

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark To Get Peek At Wildfire Base North Of Whistler

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark To Get Peek At Wildfire Base North Of Whistler
    Clark will be in Pemberton, which is 67 kilometres east of the 20,000-hectare Elaho fire that was sparked by lightning and first discovered on June 14.

    B.C. Premier Christy Clark To Get Peek At Wildfire Base North Of Whistler

    Caribou Tour In Nunavut Added To List Of Canadian Signature Experiences

    Caribou Tour In Nunavut Added To List Of Canadian Signature Experiences
    The tour is offered by Arctic Haven Wilderness Adventures on Ennadai Lake, 700 kilometres east of Yellowknife. 

    Caribou Tour In Nunavut Added To List Of Canadian Signature Experiences

    BC Conservation Officer Bryce Casavant Suspended After Failing To Put Down Bear Cubs

    BC Conservation Officer Bryce Casavant Suspended After Failing To Put Down Bear Cubs
    PORT HARDY, B.C. — A B.C. Conservation officer has been suspended without pay after he reportedly refused an order to put down two bear cubs last weekend.

    BC Conservation Officer Bryce Casavant Suspended After Failing To Put Down Bear Cubs

    Driver Who Killed Two In Winnipeg While Texting, Speeding Sentenced To Two Years

    Driver Who Killed Two In Winnipeg While Texting, Speeding Sentenced To Two Years
    WINNIPEG — A young driver has been sentenced to two years in custody for a crash in Winnipeg that killed two people and injured three others.

    Driver Who Killed Two In Winnipeg While Texting, Speeding Sentenced To Two Years